3D Scanning on Your Desktop: 5 Exciting Examples

3D printing has been in the news pretty steadily for the last couple years. 3D scanning is about to make some waves.

3. Matterform

Scan area: 7.5in x 9.74in

Scan accuracy: 0.2mm

Cost: $599

Though slightly smaller than the others, the Matterform has a few interesting features of its own. First, it has the foldable design that allows it to be tucked away when not in use, or even easily transported. With your desk already laden with a computer and a 3D printer, space may be in short supply. Second is the price. At roughly half the cost of the MakerBot Digitizer and Dimbody, you'd certainly have to give it some thought.

4. CADscan

Scan area: 9.8in x 9.8in

Scan accuracy: ?

Cost: $1,000 to $1,500 depending on funding level

The CADscan 3D scanner looks a bit different from the others, with its fully enclosed system. The verbiage states that it employs a combination of low resolution and high resolution scanning methods for optimal results. Unfortunately the company is quite vague about how this works. It did meet its funding goals though, so we may be seeing users trying this out in the near future.

5. Fuel3D

Scan area: ?

Scan accuracy: ?

Cost: $750 to $1,990 depending on where you fit in the Kickstarter. List price is $1,990

The Fuel3D handheld scanner is quite different than the others listed here. The form is similar to the high-end handheld scanners you can find in industrial uses. The Fuel3dD is wielded like a camera and captures not only dimensional data but color as well. Judging from the video, the resultant files are only partial (3D printers generally require models be "air tight" -- no gaps or openings). This means you would have a lot of work to do on each file if your intent was simply to replicate it. However, the added feature of capturing the color means that people who do 3D animation will be interested in this as a tool.